Spain’s Department of National Security has issued a stark warning regarding the escalation of violence tied to narcotics trafficking networks and the increasing presence of Russia’s “shadow fleet” within Spanish waters. According to the agency’s 2025 National Security Report, organized crime linked to drug trafficking is now considered a “central threat to national security.”
Escalating Violence in the Strait of Gibraltar
The report highlights a significant surge in aggression from trafficking networks, particularly those operating around the Strait of Gibraltar. In 2025, authorities identified more than 600 speedboats suspected of involvement in drug smuggling.
Security forces are facing an increasingly hostile environment, as traffickers are now using boats and vehicles as weapons. The report notes that these individuals “do not hesitate to ram vehicles or boats” to avoid interception or the loss of narcotics, signaling an “increased offensive capability” that includes the use of “weapons of war.”
Evolving Smuggling Tactics and Port Vulnerabilities
Criminal organizations are diversifying their methods to evade detection. There has been a documented rise in the use of semi-submersible vessels, known as “narco-submarines,” to transport large quantities of drugs across the Atlantic.
trafficking groups are increasingly employing advanced geolocation technology and surveillance systems. The Department of National Security also identified criminal infiltration and corruption within ports as “one of the greatest threats to the legal economy and national security.”
The Rise of the Russian “Shadow Fleet”
Beyond narcotics, Spain is monitoring the activity of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The Spanish Navy currently tracks approximately 50 vessels per week linked to this fleet near the Canary Islands and along routes through the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea.
These vessels are being used by Moscow to bypass international sanctions on oil exports following the invasion of Ukraine. Authorities warn that this activity brings risks of pollution, maritime accidents, and potential damage to critical underwater infrastructure, including communication cables.
Potential Future Risks
While the report deems the scenario unlikely, Spanish authorities have warned that these shadow fleet vessels could potentially be used as platforms for launching drones. The continued presence of these ships may require sustained naval vigilance to prevent unforeseen security breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many drug-trafficking boats were identified in 2025?
More than 600 speedboats suspected of involvement in drug trafficking were identified, primarily around the Strait of Gibraltar.
What are the primary risks associated with the Russian “shadow fleet”?
The risks include maritime accidents, environmental pollution, damage to underwater communication cables, and the unlikely but possible use of vessels as drone launch platforms.
What new technologies are narcotics traffickers using?
Traffickers are increasingly utilizing semi-submersible “narco-submarines,” advanced surveillance systems, and geolocation technology.
How should nations balance maritime trade with the rising threat of “shadow fleets” and organized crime?
